The short answer
Buy a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser for your skin type and a broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher. Use them consistently for several weeks before adding anything else. The American Academy of Dermatology calls sunscreen and moisturiser the two most effective anti-ageing products you can buy, and both are available at low prices.
The routine
Morning
- Gentle cleanser. If your skin is dry, a rinse with lukewarm water may be enough.
- Moisturiser. Gel or lotion for oily skin, cream for dry skin.
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, as your last step.
Night
- Gentle cleanser, to remove sunscreen and the day’s oil.
- Moisturiser.
You can use the same cleanser and moisturiser morning and night. Separate day and night versions aren’t essential. See our routine order guide for more.
Does expensive mean better?
Not reliably. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that it’s natural to assume a higher price means better results, but that effective products come in all price ranges. Look at what the product contains and whether it suits your skin. The brand and the price tell you much less.
When to add a fourth product
Add one product for your main concern, not one for every concern. The AAD advises starting with one product, because using several at once can irritate your skin. Most products take at least six weeks to show results, so give each a fair try.
- Blackheads or clogged pores: salicylic acid (BHA) or a retinoid such as adapalene.
- Dark marks after spots: keep up the sunscreen, then consider azelaic acid or vitamin C.
- Oily skin or large-looking pores: niacinamide.
Our guide to choosing skincare products covers more concerns.
How to shop on a budget
- Buy one product at a time, starting with whichever basic you’re missing.
- Check labels for “fragrance-free” and “non-comedogenic” if your skin is sensitive or breakout-prone.
- Finish or properly test a product before replacing it.
- Skip anything you can’t explain the purpose of. Our list of products you probably don’t need is a good check.
- Test a new product on your inner forearm before it goes on your face.
Not sure where to start?
Want to know which three products suit your skin and budget? FacialStack looks at three photos of your face (front, left and right), describes what’s visible and suggests a simple morning and night routine, with what each step is for. The report is free with a free sign-in, for adults 18+. It’s cosmetic guidance from what a photo shows, not a diagnosis. You can see an example report first. If you’d like the exact product for each step, within your budget, that’s optional paid Pro.
More guides
- Skincare products you probably don’t need
- Which skincare products should I use?
- Large pores: why they look bigger and what actually helps
- Dark circles under your eyes: why you get them and what helps
- Skincare routine order, morning and night
- A simple skincare routine for oily skin
- Blackheads on your nose: what actually helps
- Dark marks after spots: why they stay and what fades them
- A simple skincare routine for men (beard included)
- AI skin analysis from a photo: what it can and can’t tell you
Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, guidance on selecting anti-ageing products and getting the most from them (aad.org). General information only, not medical advice.